Providence Milwaukie Hospital employees shined a light on what they say are low wages and unaffordable health care benefits by picketing this month in front of the hospital's buildings.

After more than a year of negotiations, workers in a newly formed union rallied to bring attention to the time it's taken to come to an agreement with hospital management on the union's first contract. Rallies drew dozens of certified nursing assistants, dietary assistants, environmental service workers and other health care staff at the hospital, along with state representatives who stopped by to show their support.